Principal Subcontracts Manager

Employee Owned Brands, Inc.

. Define and lead Crystal Group's long-term subcontracting strategy, standards, and governance structures .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeHiawatha • Iowa • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates advanced knowledge in subcontract compliance, government acquisition policies, and strategic sourcing within regulated environments. Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and establish long-term strategies that support organizational growth and compliance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Subcontract Compliance ExpertiseFAR/DFARS KnowledgeStrategic Sourcing ExperienceEnterprise-Level Negotiation SkillsCPSR Operating Experience

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Contract LawRisk ManagementSupplier Strategy DevelopmentFinancial AnalysisOperational AnalysisProgram Management FundamentalsChange ManagementGovernance FrameworksComplex NegotiationRegulatory Compliance

Soft Skills

Stakeholder ManagementStrategic PlanningCross-Functional InfluenceMentoringCollaboration

Industry Keywords

DefenseAerospaceRegulated ManufacturingGovernment ContractingCPSRITAREARDPASCounterfeit Parts PreventionAcquisition Strategy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and lead Crystal Group's long-term subcontracting strategy, standards, and governance structures
Establish processes, documentation practices, and organizational capabilities supporting business growth and CPSR readiness
Lead high-value, complex supplier and subcontractor negotiations and long-term agreements
Structure commercial terms and contract types to minimize business risk while supporting cost competitiveness and delivery performance
Serve as subject matter expert on subcontract compliance, FAR/DFARS flow-down requirements, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data, counterfeit parts prevention, DPAS-rated order administration, and export control considerations
Advise senior leadership on acquisition strategies, supplier partnerships, contractual risk, and regulatory compliance
Evaluate emerging acquisition requirements, regulatory changes, and industry trends
Establish enterprise subcontracting metrics, analytics, and supplier performance frameworks
Partner with Engineering, Operations, Program Management, and Contracts leadership on supplier strategies
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve supplier performance, collaboration, governance, processes, tools, and analytics
Mentor and provide technical resources to subcontracts, purchasing, and supply chain staff
Serve on pursuit teams by developing strategies, identifying and vetting subcontractors, and managing subcontractor proposals

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, or Engineering; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred
15+ years of experience in subcontracts, strategic sourcing, or supplier management, in defense, aerospace, or another regulated manufacturing environment
10+ years of experience applying government acquisition policies and procedures, including FAR/DFARS flow-downs, and providing strategic guidance on regulatory compliance, contractual risk, and acquisition strategy
Experience operating under an approved purchasing system (CPSR)
Experience leading enterprise-level initiatives requiring significant cross-functional influence, change management, and strategic planning
Proven ability to establish long-term strategies and operating models that support organizational growth and evolving business requirements
Must be a US Person (US Citizen, person granted US Permanent Resident Card or any individual who is granted status as a "protected person")
Advanced knowledge of supplier strategy, contract law and contract structures, global sourcing, complex negotiation, and risk management within a government contracting environment
Working command of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, DPAS (15 CFR Part 700), and counterfeit electronic parts prevention requirements
Strong strategic planning, enterprise-level negotiation, financial and operational analysis, and stakeholder management skills
Expert-level knowledge of program management fundamentals, with a proven track record of successful application on defense programs
Ability to build, mature, and scale governance frameworks, business processes, and operating models
Ability to anticipate future business requirements and translate them into sustainable operational strategies and organizational capabilities
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and stand for extended periods of time

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical/dental/vision insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Wellness programs
Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
On-Site Gym